As explained by James Madison in his Federalist 51 essay, men are not angels- and those in government must be put in positions where their power is checked by others. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. And so, the Constitution has created 3 branches of government, the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches- each of which has powers over the other branches... but depends on each of the other branches in several ways as well. Additionally, the people can exercise a check on government every 2,4, and 6 years when they vote for their representatives, president, and senator. They can also act to influence government through contacting their representatives, protesting, publishing... at all levels of government: Local, State, and National. Furthermore, our States have their own reserved powers and can act in many ways independently of the National Government. Finally, the press... the freedom of which is guaranteed by the 1st Amendment, can influence everyone else through its news reporting.
Every time a new president takes office, there is a sorting out of checks and balances as all those new to government learn their limits. A president will act to enact the agenda they were elected for as quickly as possible, and just as quickly, the other branches, the states, the people, and the media will weigh in. Any player may get "checked and balanced". It's how our system is supposed to work so that only what's best for the greatest number, and is constitutionally legal gets done.
What examples of checks and balances have you seen taking place since President Trump's inauguration? Post and comment on them here. Let's keep track for a week.
This discussion will run through President's Day, Monday, February 20th...
Checks and Balances- 2017 Edition.
As explained by James Madison in his Federalist 51 essay, men are not angels- and those in government must be put in positions where their power is checked by others. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. And so, the Constitution has created 3 branches of government, the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches- each of which has powers over the other branches... but depends on each of the other branches in several ways as well. Additionally, the people can exercise a check on government every 2,4, and 6 years when they vote for their representatives, president, and senator. They can also act to influence government through contacting their representatives, protesting, publishing... at all levels of government: Local, State, and National. Furthermore, our States have their own reserved powers and can act in many ways independently of the National Government. Finally, the press... the freedom of which is guaranteed by the 1st Amendment, can influence everyone else through its news reporting.
Every time a new president takes office, there is a sorting out of checks and balances as all those new to government learn their limits. A president will act to enact the agenda they were elected for as quickly as possible, and just as quickly, the other branches, the states, the people, and the media will weigh in. Any player may get "checked and balanced". It's how our system is supposed to work so that only what's best for the greatest number, and is constitutionally legal gets done.
What examples of checks and balances have you seen taking place since President Trump's inauguration? Post and comment on them here. Let's keep track for a week.
This discussion will run through President's Day, Monday, February 20th...